Although much can be said about Georgian traditions, we
will only give you a few tips on what is appropriate or inappropriate in the country.
Since Georgia is at the junction of Europe and Asia, any tradition here is presented in a
moderate way. Besides, you can always ask local people about the details you are
interested in.

Family is one of the cornerstones of the Georgian
life style. Georgian families are usually extended, i.e. often three generations parents
and children live together.

An unusual phenomenon for foreign visitors is the Georgian table, which
has a deeper implication than an ordinary meal.

Complicated ritual relationships are manifested in it. The table is led
by "tamada", who proposes traditional toasts. Each toast is interpreted by table
members before drinking it.

Georgian toasts are numerous but the most important and popular are the
toasts to the guests, friends, ladies, family members, relatives, mother land, those, who
passed away, etc. You can extend the list yourself.

In Georgia you never drink wine without toasting, which is not
applicable to beer. Traditional tables are usually accompanied by singing.

As mentioned above, the table is led by "tamada", who is the
one to propose toasts. If you want to leave the table (this especially concems men), the
most appropriate way will be the following: first ask the tamada for permission to propose
a toast, then toast to the host family and only after that leave the table.

In restaurants and other places the bill is never split and is paid by
one person. Normally, men pay for women.

Anyone is allowed to enter a church, but, in this case it is not
recommended to wear a low-necked dress, shorts or bathing suits. Women do not usually
enter the church bareheaded.

In high mountainous regions it is not recommended to wear shorts,
bathing suits and low-cut dresses.